A summertime favorite featuring our spiced, savory & scrumptious Southwest Chili.
Ahhh, summertime! Filled with sunshine, iced beverages, and time spent with friends and family, summer is a favorite season for many people.
When it comes to summer food staples, ice cream, corn on the cob, and watermelon may come to mind. But hot dogs are right up there on the list, too! And in particular, chili hot dogs, which provide a whole lot of a flavor and spice on top of this beloved meal.
Today we’re sharing a few hot dog facts and an awesome southwest chili hot dog recipe!
Hot dog facts
Odds are that you’ve enjoyed this meaty snack on occasion–perhaps at the pool or a ballgame. But you may be wanting to know even more about hot dogs, and we’re putting our detective hats on!
History of hot dogs
It’s thought that linked sausage may have originated in ancient Rome and then traveled across Europe to Germany. Germans created variations of sausage to be enjoyed with beer and kraut. It’s uncertain which German town created the modern hot dog, however, two claim this accomplishment–Frankfurt and Vienna.
The hot dog made its way to the U.S. through German immigrants in the 1860’s. German immigrants were the first to sell hot dogs from a pushcart in New York City! Nathan’s Famous was the first brand to popularize the hot dog with a wider audience, and by the Great Depression, hot dogs were popular across the United States.
Hot dog nutrition
A typical 1.5 oz hot dog is less than 200 calories, which represents less that 10 percent of the recommended daily calorie intake. It contains 7 grams of protein, which is 15 percent of the daily value. The protein found in hot dogs is complete protein, or protein that offers all of the essential amino acids our bodies need.
Hot dogs contain vitamin B12, which is important to maintaining normal metabolism levels and brain development. A beef hot dog also provides approximately 10 percent the daily value of minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.
While hot dogs contain decent levels of protein and minerals, they should be consumed in moderation due to their fat and sodium levels. A 1.5 oz hot dog delivers 572 mg of sodium, which is 25 percent of the daily value, and 6 grams of saturated fat, or 29 percent daily value. Don’t worry, though! There are many lower sodium options available for those looking to cut down on their sodium intake.
Traditional hot dog ingredients
There’s no one way to make a hot dog, and different recipes contain various ingredients, spices, flavorings, and binders. A few common ingredients include beef, stock, celery powder, citric acid, collagen casing, flavoring, and salt!
Hot dog toppings and healthy swaps
The ingredients found in a hot dog really depends on who you ask! And believe it or not, people are very passionate about their hot dog toppings. ;) Most often, people enjoy their hot dog with ketchup and/or mustard, but there are soooo many other delicious options!
Bacon, chili, coleslaw, sauerkraut, pickles, tomatoes, and onion are ingredients often enjoyed on a hot dog. Toppings vary throughout different parts of the country! New Yorkers enjoy hot dogs with steamed onions and yellow mustard, while Chicagoans layer it with mustard, relish, onion, spickle, peppers, tomato slices and celery salt.
For vegans
For those who are trying the vegan diet or are newly vegan, giving up hot dogs can be tough! But there are “meat-like” swaps to replace traditional hot dogs with that provide rich flavor AND nutritional value.
Carrot hot dogs are marinated in a mix of broth, vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, and paprika for a smoky, rich flavor that mimics that of a beef hot dog. They’re typically made in the oven, but if you want to enjoy the grilling experience, they can also be made on an outdoor grill!
Gluten free
While delicious, many people can’t or choose not to have a wheat-based hot dog bun, and that’s okay! There are many brands that make delicious gluten free hot dog buns. Udis gluten free hot dog buns are soft and free of wheat, soy, and nuts! Another brand to try is Katz, which makes gluten free hot dog buns that don’t crumble.
Ways to cook a hot dog
Home chefs probably have tried and tested methods for cooking hot dogs, but newbies may be looking for a little guidance! There are several super easy, quick ways to cook a hot dog.
Microwave
Just place hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a towel. Microwave for 15 seconds until the hot dogs reach your desired temperature. Read more about our thoughts on microwaves here!
Boiled
If you have a larger crowd, like children and their friends, boiling hot dogs is for you! Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add hot dogs one at a time using tongs, and reduce heat to “low” for 3-6 minutes. Use tongs to remove the hot dogs from the hot water and pat dry with paper towels. Meal time for the kiddos in a flash!
Grilled
Grilling can feel intimidating for those who don’t do it often, but it’s not a big deal, we promise! To grill hot dogs, heat up the grill and place hot dogs on the grill at an angle. Cook hot dogs for one minute on each side, flipping to cook evenly.
In the oven
Roasting hot dogs in the oven reduces the mess … what’s not to love about that?! Lne a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, bake the hot dogs for 10-15 minutes in the oven, and voila! If you’re craving a crispier casing, you can “broil” the hot dogs for a couple of extra minutes.
Recipe for Chili Hot Dog
Now for the best part! A delicious, nutritious chili hot dog recipe. With Proper Good’s Southwest Chili, you don’t have to worry about your topping being loaded with unhealthy fats and sodium!
For our vegan friends, meatless crumbles provide protein, and our chili includes three types of beans, poblano peppers, and corn give a kick of flavor. Our Southwest Chili has zero added sugar, so you can enjoy it on top of your chili hot dog guilt-free!
Cooking Info
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
1 package of your favorite hot dogs (vegan if preferred)
1 pouch Proper Good Southwest Chili
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (vegan if preferred)
1/4 cup diced white onions
1 package hot dog buns
Method
- Warm hot dogs in a saute pan or grill until golden brown and warm.
- In a small pot or microwave, warm pouch of Proper Good Southwest Chili.
- Place hot dog on bun. Top with Proper Good Southwest Chili, shredded cheese and onions.
There you go! A simple, summertime staple made easy and healthy … perfect for picnics and sunny days enjoyed outdoors. And if you’re looking for a refreshing dessert to cap things off, might we suggest a 5 minute raspberry sorbet?
Enjoy!
